About
I’m passionate about providing comprehensive, proactive and patient-centered healthcare. I’m interested in understanding the underlying cause of symptoms, the connection between physical, emotional and social health, and the unique factors that play into your well-being.
Our health can be complex, our symptoms multifaceted and our histories unique. Often our health concerns are not resolved with a single pill or intervention. The totality of our health is not described by a single diagnosis. We are complex, physical and emotional beings.
My interest in functional and naturopathic medicine was sparked in my twenties. I began to experience fatigue, joint pain, and was later diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder. It was through my own health journey that I experienced first hand the power of diet, lifestyle and viewing the body as an integrated system. I learnt about the importance of integrative care; it was through using both conventional and naturopathic medicine that I felt empowered, inspired and supported.
My experience fueled my passion for providing a different approach to healthcare; one that looked beyond symptom suppression and addressed the multiple factors influencing health and disease. After I obtained my bachelor of science in Environmental Sciences at the University of British Columbia, I went on to complete the training in naturopathic medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. As a practitioner, I take a functional medicine approach, blending the best of holistic and conventional therapies, with diet and lifestyle the foundation of my treatment plans.
My goal as a healthcare provider is to listen to your story; to help gain clarity on your symptoms and the factors that contribute to your health; and to help you build a personalized healthcare plan that leaves you feeling empowered, happier and healthier.
– Sarah
My Qualifications
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (4 years)
- BSc. Environmental Sciences with distinction – University of British Columbia (4 years)
- Prescriptive Authority Certification – CNPBC
- Intravenous (IV) Therapy Certification – CNPBC
- Acupuncture Certification – CNPBC
- Advanced Cardiac Lifesaving Certification – BSL & CPR for Health Care Providers
- Naturopathic Cardiac Life Support Course Certification – OHM Medical
FAQs
Are naturopathic doctors licensed as doctors?
Yes. In British Columbia Naturopathic physicians have been registered under health legislation since 1923. They became a self-regulating profession in 1936.
Can naturopathic physicians prescribe drugs?
Many NDs in BC are trained and licensed to prescribe an extensive list of prescription medications. I have prescriptive authority in British Columbia, and have received additional training in Bioidentical Hormones.
How long is naturopathic medical school?
Training to be a naturopathic physician requires 4 years of full-time study after the completion of a bachelors degree.
Does insurance cover naturopathic care?
Most extended health care plans cover naturopathic doctors, usually between $200-500 per year. Some plans also include lab or diagnostic testing coverage. I recommend clarifying with your extended health care provider.
For individuals with a Health Spending Account, visits to an ND are 100% covered.
For Individuals on MSP Premium Assistance or social assistance only, there is limited coverage. I recommend contacting MSP directly and enquiring how much coverage is provided.
Interests
I am passionate about food, cooking and photography. I am the cofounder of Fare & Flourish, a website that explores the multiple facets of food: sustainability, medicine, cooking and community, through recipes, stories, and researched articles.